5 European Summer Gems You’ve (Probably) Never Heard Of — and Why They Should Be on Your List
We all love the classics—Positano, Ibiza, Provence. But sometimes, the magic of travel lies in the places you haven’t seen splashed all over Instagram. Places that surprise you. Places that breathe. If you’re dreaming of a European summer with fewer crowds and more discovery, this one’s for you: five lesser-known corners of Europe where culture, beauty, and soul linger in the air—and where the hotels are worth the trip alone.
Think storybook villages, volcanic islands, secret beaches. The kind of places where time slows and the memories last longer.
Sylt Island, the Martha’s Vineyard of Germany
1. Sylt, Germany
Where the sea wind kisses your skin and the seafood is Michelin-worthy.
Often called the “Hamptons of Germany,” Sylt is a windswept North Sea island of wide beaches, thatched-roof houses, and seaside cycling paths. A favorite among German travelers, it’s refreshingly under-the-radar internationally.
Stay at Relais & Châteaux Landhaus Stricker, a cozy-chic hideaway where wellness and gastronomy go hand in hand. Spend your days walking the dunes, sipping crisp Riesling, and soaking in the North Sea’s quiet rhythm.
Best Hotels in Sylt, Germany
Relais & Châteaux Landhaus Stricker
EXCLUSIVE PERKS WHEN YOU BOOK WITH THE SOLO TRAVEL CONCIERGE:
Upgrade to next room category, based upon availability at check-in
Guaranteed 2pm late check-out
Welcome treat in room on arrival
25 USD food and beverage credit per room, per day
2. Pantelleria, Sicily
Raw, remote, unforgettable.
Closer to Tunisia than mainland Italy, Pantelleria is a volcanic island sculpted by time. Think black lava cliffs, hot springs, ancient vineyards—and not a beach club in sight. The island’s quiet power seeps into your bones.
Stay at Sikelia, where old stone dammusi homes have been reimagined into understated, elegant suites. Days stretch long here: soaking in thermal waters, sipping Passito wine (made from zibibbo grapes dried under the island sun), watching the sun slip behind the horizon in fiery silence.
The “Black Pearl of the Mediterranean”
Unlike many Italian islands, Pantelleria has no sandy beaches—instead, you’ll find stunning rocky coastlines and hidden coves perfect for diving and sunbathing.
Best hotels in Pantelleria, Italy
Sikelia Luxury Hotel
EXCLUSIVE PERKS WHEN YOU BOOK WITH THE SOLO TRAVEL CONCIERGE:
A credit worth $50-$100 (USD) per room, per stay
10% on standard room types
Daily Continental breakfast for two people
Room upgrade to next room category, subject to availability at the time of check-in
Early check-in, subject to availability at the time of check-in
Late check-out, subject to availability
Complimentary WIFI
3. Hallstatt & Lake Fuschl, Austria
Alpine air, glassy lakes, and castles that tell stories.
Yes, Hallstatt draws crowds. But just beyond, Lake Fuschl offers a quieter, more authentic slice of Austrian magic. Crystal waters, forested trails, fairy-tale views—it’s Europe at its most serene.
Check into the newly opened Rosewood Schloss Fuschl, where a 15th-century castle meets contemporary luxury. Mornings spent hiking, afternoons by the lake, evenings in candlelit dining rooms—it’s the kind of place where you lose track of time.
Hallstatt, Austria
Hallstatt is so picturesque that China built a full-scale replica of the town in Guangdong province!
Best hotels on Lake Fuschl, Austria
Rosewood Schloss Fuschl
EXCLUSIVE PERKS WHEN YOU BOOK WITH THE SOLO TRAVEL CONCIERGE:
Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Daily breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, served in the restaurant
$100USD equivalent in local currency Food & Beverage credit
Stays of 7+ nights will receive an additional $200 Resort or Hotel credit (for a total of $300 during stay)
Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi
4. Porto Heli, Greece
Grecian charm, minus the cruise ships.
On the Peloponnesian coast, Porto Heli whispers what Mykonos shouts. Dubbed the “Greek Riviera,” it’s all olive groves, hidden coves, and discreet glamor.
At Nikki Beach Resort & Spa, you’ll find barefoot luxury with just the right amount of buzz. Picture sunrise yoga, long lunches, and DJ sets under the stars—paired with that timeless Greek light.
Porto Heli is often called the "Greek Riviera"
This peaceful yet chic destination has long attracted wealthy Athenians, international jet-setters, and even royalty—the former King of Greece has a villa here.
Best hotels in Porto Helli, Greece
Nikki Beach Resort & Spa
EXCLUSIVE PERKS WHEN YOU BOOK WITH THE SOLO TRAVEL CONCIERGE:
Upgrade to next room category, based upon availability at check-in
Guaranteed 1pm late check-out
Welcome treat in room on arrival
100 USD hotel credit per room, per stay (2 night minimum)
5. Comporta, Portugal
Wild beaches, pine forests, and boho soul.
Just 90 minutes from Lisbon, Comporta is Portugal’s best-kept secret. Rustic yet refined, this patch of coast hums with a slow, soulful energy.
Stay at Sublime Comporta, where minimalist villas nestle among the pines. Mornings are for beach walks. Afternoons for local wine and farm-to-table feasts. And in the evenings? Let the salty breeze and cicadas serenade you under the stars.
Comporta has been nicknamed “the Hamptons of Europe”
But unlike its glitzy counterparts, it has no flashy beach clubs or mega-resorts. In fact, celebrities like Christian Louboutin and Philippe Starck have homes here precisely because of its laid-back, rustic vibe—think wild beaches, stilted fishermen’s huts, and pine-scented air.
Best hotels in Comporta, Portugal
Sublime Comporta
EXCLUSIVE PERKS WHEN YOU BOOK WITH THE SOLO TRAVEL CONCIERGE:
Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Daily Breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom
$100USD equivalent Resort or Hotel credit
Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Why go now?
These places aren’t “undiscovered” for long. But for now, they remain spaces where you can breathe, wander, and travel deeper—not just tick off sights. If you’re craving a summer escape that lingers in the heart long after your suitcase is unpacked, these five might just be calling.
